My sweet baby girl followed me like a shadow. She was so loving and intuitive and was quite comical as well. If I said, "Cry Baby," which was her birth name, she would cry just like a baby.
When I think about her when she was a puppy, I realize that I had it so easy with her. She was never destructive or mean-tempered and only wanted one thing—my love.
Erma grew up with another dachshund, Max, and loved to curl up next to him and kiss his face. They were constant companions for 15 years until Max passed away on December 18, 2007. A few months later, we brought home a puppy. Although we worried that Erma may not befriend the puppy after sharing such a close bond with Max, she (being the sweatheart that she was) tolerated the puppy’s silly ways and loved him too. She was also gentle and loving with my children even though they didn’t come along until she was 10 years old. Of course, whatever was special to me was special to her too.
Thank you Erma, my sweet baby girl. Thank you for many happy years of unconditional love. The family’s hearts ache for our loss, such a huge loss, but we know you are so excited to see Max again and pray that you two are curled up together and showering each other with kisses once again in heaven. May the angels pet and play with you both every day and may you both be overcome with happiness.
No one could have asked for more than you gave us.
Forever in our hearts with love,
Mommy, Daddy, Emily, Ellie & Cosmo
You left me far too soon, but with a parting gift of a lifetime of memories and an awakened realization that I am one of the truly fortunate to have my life graced with my “special” ones, for however long that may be.
your place in our hearts. You were our "general", always in charge of everything. No one could snuggle into the pillow like you. No one could sit up for as long as you, for no particular reason. You were our "G", our "Old Man River", and we will forever miss you. We wish we could still have you with us. 
Cami (2001-2008) 
Penny (1992-2008) 
Molasses (1992-2007) 
Jasmine Grace Doerfer (2001-2008) 
Hunni Pott (1991?-2006) 
Rudy (2004 – 2007) 
Fratz der Denkerin (1991 - 2007) 
We shared something so very special.... I thought that I was rescuing you but soon discovered that you were rescuing me. Thanks for making me smile and laugh when I didn't think I could. I miss you so much but know for sure that we will be together again. Save a place for me!
Boxcar Willy (1988 - 2007) 
Cutest wiener ever! With your unique dapple color, iddy-biddiness, and a look that could melt an iceberg. We hope you have all the things you like--a laser light to chase, water running from a hose to bite, and a friend like your brother to lick you incessantly. Miles misses you most. If he could talk, we'd never hear the end.
Astra (1995 - 2007) 
He was my constant companion; never leaving my side when I was home. He was my best bed buddy; always lying right next to me and nearly pushing me out of bed. He was the Cary Grant of the dachshund world and he was a gentleman of the old school. 
Stormin' Norman came into my life 4 1/2 years ago, white "spats" and all. We're not sure how he came to be living at the shelter, but there he was. He had taken up full-time residence in the front office, going about life according to Norman. I was honored by his decision to live with me here at Lakewood Weenie Manor. Norman considered it his job to watch the dogs' chicken while it cooked for the upcoming week. He took the job so seriously that he soon earned the title of Chicken Sheriff, and he never allowed any four-legged creature into the kitchen until the chicken was done!
Gin Gin (1998 - 2006) 
Gramma Roses (1987?-2006)
Jake (1996-2005) 
Toby (2000 - 2006)
I know that I’ll love again…but never as much. Thank you for making life so rich and wonderful. I wish we had had more time, but I hope I gave you a lifetime’s worth of love in the 20 months we were together. My life will never be as full, never as wonderful as it was when you were beside me. Our after-supper naps, snack-time, your dinner dance, the take-charge attitude with the rest of the pack, the way you kissed me out the side of your mouth – I will miss everything about you, every second of every day for the rest of my days. I hope that the life I have left is one that makes you proud. I will see you again, sweetie. I know it.
My little angel baby. It's been six years since you've passed on over the Rainbow Bridge. Not a day goes by that you're not on my mind. When you left, you took my heart with you. If I could just hold you once more and kiss you once more and look into those beautiful chocolate brown eyes, I would give anything. You were my best friend and I believe I loved you more than anyone else in the entire world. You will never be forgotten. You will never be replaced. You keep my heart with you, my angel baby. I'll get it back when we meet again. I love you.
Geoffrey (1991 - 2006)
Mason (1992 - 2006) 
Emma (1993 - 2006)
Amber, Joy, Gary, and family:
My dear Hoopty Hound, you traveled such a long way to be with us and your stay was too short. You were a wonderful dog -- I miss the way you made friends with everyone you met (except the Akita...), the thump of your huge tail on the fridge door at dinnertime, and your "triple howls" (Roo Roo ROOOOOoooo!) when you wanted something. Poco misses his pillow and his best friend. There will never be another like you. Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Cleo (1995?- 2006)
Bud (1998-2006)
Oscar was with us two short months, and as we were getting him ready for a new forever home, we lost him to cancer. He loved life and he adored his tennis ball. Now he can play forever with all those who went before him. He was the sweetest little old man we have ever had and he will be missed. 
I loved you with all my heart, Posie. When you were abandoned because of your quirks, Mama scooped you right up. You were only 10 months old when you joined us and not even two years old when I had to let you go. You fought a good battle; that is all I could have asked. I wish I could have found a cure for the hydrocephalus that stole your life. But Rosie, you had many great moments of pure brilliance that I will never forget. Go play and do all the things that you couldn't do toward the end. One day, I will find you again and scoop you right up, this time for keeps. 
Ainsley (2001 - 2006) 
Sofi (1992? - 2006)
I rescued Ginger from the county shelter five years ago, on the day her time would have run out. She was approximately 10 years old then. She wasn't in the best of health and had apparently been used for breeding. She had a lot of issues and wasn't the easiest dog to love, but she honored me with her trust and I became her beloved person. Today I had to let her go, as her time had finally run out, and it was my great privilege to hold her in my loving arms as the vet helped to ease her passing. No more pain, no more fear, sweet little one.
Sam was a stray we found three years ago. He overcame epilepsy and abuse and lived a happy life for his final three years. Our family fell in love with him, including our others dogs. His love was hard won but totally worth it and he gave us so much more than we ever expected. He came to us sick, angry, and shaking - he became happy, snuggly, and silly. He died unexpectedly one morning after surgery, but we know when he passed away he was a content dog.
Fenway (April 2005 - December 2005)
Maxwell (???? - 2005)
We were among the luckiest of humans to share our lives for almost 17 years with an angel. Frodo Baggins, you were the heart of our household and you made it home, and we miss you so much. Your best buddy Jack and I just celebrated your 17th birthday on November 6, and remembered how much you loved your angel food cake and unwrapping your presents. When we see you at the Bridge, we'll bring you a big bowl of ice cream and a brand new squeaky toy! We love you. 
Three years ago, dear old Paddy toddled out of the woods where he was lost or dumped, to find us, his second family, to share and enrich our lives, on his way to his final destination in heaven . . . Keep the bed warm for us; we'll be there later, Paddywack. 
Penny (1997 - 2005)
I will never be able to express the love I felt for Ozzie, my little loving boy awaiting my arrival every day, regardless of his disk operation, arthritis, and finally, diabetes with pancreatitis. The day he crossed the bar was the day my heart broke forever. I'll miss the barking at all hours of the night to get up and lift him into bed with me, the insides of plastic squeaky toys all over the house, and the many kisses he gave me every day of my life. I love you, Ozzie. My life will never be the same without you.
Victor (1998-2005)
My sweet girl, I had you only a short time but loved you like you were here for years. My heart is broken without you, and I miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace, sweet girl, and know that I will see you again one day at the bridge.
Midnight (1987 - 2005)
PJ (1994 - 2001)
Mitzi (2001-2005)
Bobby Arrick-Stone
Jeremy (1995-2005) 
The little bear, our Cocoa boy, brown nose, brown eyes, our chocolate joy.
When Shana came to live with Pluto and me in 1999, it took her exactly one minute to take over the house and show us who was boss. Despite being totally blind and developing a few medical conditions in the past couple of years, she was a feisty little thing and every dog in the neighborhood made a path for Shana when she approached.
Heidi (1988 - 2005) 
Susie (1989? - 2005) 
Trevor (1992-2005) 
Andy was with me for only a month before his little heart gave out and he went to the Bridge in his sleep. A fellow rescuer pulled him from a Kentucky shelter, where he had been dumped and would surely have been euthanized. From the first moment I saw him, Andy touched my heart. I never knew I could fall in love with a dog so quickly, but Andy filled my heart with joy. He loved food more than anything and ate with such zest. Andy will always be in my heart, for all the love he gave in the short time he was with me. 
Little did I know, when I walked into the shelter in April 2004 and saw those sad soulful eyes staring up at me, that my life would be changed forever. Carman, we were privileged to know you and love you for only a few months, but that brief time was a wonderful experience. My only regret is that your time with us was way too short. I miss your "Yay! Mom's home! dance," and your gentle snoring at night. I'm thankful that we could bring a little happiness into your life, and thank you for the joy you brought to us. We love you, Carmie....and always will. 
The Old Lady came to me as a request from the local shelter in December 2003. They asked me to come get her and take her to my home to die peacefully. Little did we know that this gal was not waiting for the Angel of Death to come and take her...she was determined to get well again. And heal she did. She was full of life, raring to go, and she took down the names of anyone who crossed the line! She loved Wilson tennis balls, leaping into her bed, meal time and steer manure but most of all--she loved living to her very last breath.... 
Kohls came into rescue in 2001 as a pitiful old guy--skin and bones. covered in road tar, blind and deaf. The vet said he was in such bad shape, I should just love him and maybe he would live another 4-6 months. I had him for three years. When he was adopted out, he bayed loudly all the time until he was returned to me. After the second placement, I got the message and kept him. Even though he was blind and deaf, he could find his way to me like a speeding bullet. Oh yes--he loved to eat knuckle bones. I miss him. 
Zoe (1997 - 2004) 
Spankers came into rescue as a downed dachsie and became a part of my life two years ago. Spankers was out to prove the world wrong about his paralysis and through sheer determination and guts, began walking and never again stopped. He battled a severe heart murmur and Cushing's Disease with dignity and pride and taught us all that life can indeed be enjoyed to the fullest in spite of a handicap or two....or three. We shall miss your fighting spirit and your kind heart, dear friend. 
Forever and a day Beau will be our hearts, our souls and the air we breathe. His love is gentle and kind. Beau is with us always. There are times we feel him sitting next to us as we end our day, letting us know that everything is all right. He never thought of himself, only of us. He romps with his brother Rusty now, happy and free. Ah, for just one more kiss. We will all be together some sunny day. Take care, our friend. With much love, 
We all miss you so much, Little Man Jack, especially when we are out in the vineyard. You kept us laughing with all of your antics, whether you were trying to bark a bug to death, destroying boxes with your teeth or doing those famous "grins" of yours. Your memory and spirit will be with for always. 
My Maxie Man, I'm forever thankful to have shared the last of your life with you. You deserved so much more at the end of your many years of loyalty and love than you received. You were hurting so much when you came, and my greatest hope is that you found some peace and comfort in the months we shared. You know you went with my love. I deeply miss my old curmudgeon.
You came into my life in the crisp fall air--full of life, puppy love, and mischief! For 17 years you continued to cement your role as dachsie diva, princess of the house, and dachsie-love-of-my life. You slipped peacefully from us on the first day of spring, while I whispered to you of all my love, hoping that's what you'd take with you to the Bridge. Wait for me there, my precious Randi-Dandi-Doodle Dog. When Jesus takes me to Heaven, I'll be so happy to hold you in my arms once again, and watch you romp through the fields, forever young, forever happy, and forever with me again. 
Duncan (1961-1972) 
We want to tell everyone how wonderful adopting a senior can be. We got our little boy when he was already 11 years young. He had the energy of a puppy! Schiller was the best ball player ever! He could catch his ball mid-air no matter how far you threw it from. In his last year his cataracts prevented him from catching mid-air, but we know he's back to his young self in heaven, and he'll be waiting for us to play when we cross over. We love you Schilly Bear!
Emerson (1994 - 2003) 
Peaches (1988 - 2002) 
Sadie (1986 - 2003) 